2018 Convention

The annual CFIC Convention is a networking and educational event that provides a casual atmosphere for grocers, wholesalers, and suppliers to network for both business and pleasure.

This three-day, members-only convention is not a trade show!

The convention provides the perfect opportunity to gather with peers and colleagues to celebrate the grocery industry of the Carolinas. The schedule is filled with plenty of educational sessions, retailer/vendor meetings, presentations from retail presidents, and fun social events for the family. The beach venue provides the perfect opportunity to build personal relationships in a relaxed setting.

“CFIC provides a unique opportunity in the South to develop great rapport and relationships with customers located and doing business each day in the Carolinas. At its base, and more so in the South, this business is still very much about relationships. Many retailers here may not care what you know until they know how much you care about their business and what you are willing to do to help them succeed. CFIC provides the avenue to communicate that to the retailers its serves.”

-Blake Freshwater, Kellogg Company

If you have any questions or would like more information regarding the members-only convention, please contact Lindsey Kueffner or Brenna Favara at (919) 832-0811.

Hotel

The hotel room block is now open on a first-come, first-serve basis for members that are planning to attend CFIC’s 14th Annual Convention. Contact the Hilton Myrtle Beach Resort and Kingston Plantation by phone at (800) 876-0010 or online at www.kingstonshores.com.

Be sure to use our reference code of “FOD” and/or mention the Carolinas Food Industry Council for the group rate that ranges from $229- $481 per night. Be advised that two- and three-bedroom condos at the Royale Palms are extremely limited, however there is plenty of availability at the Hilton and in the Kingston tower and villas.

Sponsorship

Sponsorship opportunities are available to all Vendor Members. Levels range from $1,000-$11,000+ and each level offers unique benefits such as complimentary registrations and ad placement in the membership directory. Some benefits of convention sponsorship include being eligible to schedule private one-on-one meetings with participating retailers as well as the option to donate products.

Registration

The CFIC Convention is a members-only event. Members’ guests and children of all ages are welcome. Additional registration fees apply.

Product Donation

At the CFIC Convention, we provide multiple opportunities for our sponsors’ product exposure!

Suppliers and grocers have the opportunity to mingle in a casual, come-as-you-are atmosphere in the Snack Shack. Each day during the convention, a breakfast and lunch buffet, snacks, and drinks are available to all convention attendees. Upon check-in, each convention attendee also receives a bag filled with donated product to last throughout the weekend’s events.

Items not suited for bags include frozen/refrigerated product and beverages, but are available in the CFIC Cafe, in our bars, or on the dinner buffets.

Schedule of Events

Coming soon!

Membership Directory

The annual resource membership directory is distributed to every company representative that attends the CFIC Convention. The directory contains a full list of CFIC’s member companies including contact information for key representatives. Please click here to view the media guideline for the directory.

Directories will be mailed upon request to any member that was unable to attend the convention.

Each individual member is responsible for logging into the member portal on the CFIC website to ensure their contact information is correct.

Member companies are also eligible for several directory opportunities. If you have any questions, please contact CFIC staff at (919) 832-0811.

Silent Auction

Over CFIC’s 13 year history, we’ve contributed almost $1.3 million to charitable causes–help us keep the momentum going!

Each year CFIC contributes $50,000 to Food Banks in North and South Carolina and over $100,000 in college scholarships. Our primary fundraiser is the CFIC Silent Auction. Your donations and purchases help us continue to fund these two important charitable programs, so consider donating today!

More information coming soon!

Restaurant Information

Resort Activities & Childcare Services

If you would like to take advantage of CFIC’s Children’s Activities (ages 5-12 only), please sign-up in advance at the Registration Desk.*Note: You must remain on the Kingston Plantation grounds if your child will be at this event.*